Day 1 of Capitals training camp took place at Medstar Capitals Iceplex on Thursday, as 70 different skaters took part in practice. This is also a special season as the Washington Capitals will be celebrating their 50th anniversary.
The team was split into three separate groups: A,B, and C. All three groups took part in skate testing, followed by the main practice sessions, and then media availability afterward.
Group A featured many familiar Capitals players, including 2018 Stanley Cup champions John Carlson and Tom Wilson. The group also included Connor McMichael and offseason addition Pierre-Luc Dubois.
John Carlson taking some shots at the net. pic.twitter.com/eqERvviF3d
— Harry Lichtman (@hslichtman) September 19, 2024
Wilson was paired up with McMichael and Dubois as they all looked impressive in the practice drills, showcasing what could be a potential second-line combination. Two young skaters who stood out in this group were Ethan Bear and Ivan Miroshnichenko.
Tom Wilson, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Ethan Bear, and Brad Hunt all fight for the puck with Hunter Shepard in net. pic.twitter.com/seSO6sBpyh
— Harry Lichtman (@hslichtman) September 19, 2024
Group B featured 39-year-old face of the franchise Alex Ovechkin, who is back for his 20th NHL season and has 852 career goals, needing only 42 to catch up to Wayne Gretzky.
The man, the myth, the legend. Alex Ovechkin just turned 39 and is back for his 20th season with the Capitals. pic.twitter.com/tbGFr101ts
— Harry Lichtman (@hslichtman) September 19, 2024
Ovechkin was joined in the group by Dylan Strome, who led the Capitals with 67 points last season, and Andrew Mangiapane. The Great 8 was dealing with an injury but still was able to showcase his power, strength, and incredible shot. Another standout in this group was Jakub Vrana, who rejoined the team on a PTO.
Alex Ovechkin taking part in Group B practice with Hendrix Lapierre, Andrew Mangiapane, and Matt Roy. pic.twitter.com/dljgxaKwmm
— Harry Lichtman (@hslichtman) September 19, 2024
Two notable absences from training camp include previous Stanley Cup champions: Nicklas Backstrom, who was placed on long-term injured reserve nearly a year ago due to a left hip injury, and T.J. Oshie, who was just placed on LTIR with a chronic back injury.
Another player who wasn’t at Capitals Iceplex for Day 1 of training camp was Rasmus Sandin, as he is currently dealing with visa issues.
